Lady Gaga has apologised for referring to the death of the model known as Zombie Boy as "suicide".

She tweeted to apologise if she "spoke too soon" and said she did not mean to "draw an unjust conclusion".

The Canadian model, whose real name was Rick Genest, died last week.

Out of respect for Rick's family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death. I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends. pic.twitter.com/CJ9AdOJ22j

He is understood to have fallen from a third floor balcony at the home of his girlfriend in Montreal, according to People magazine.

In her latest post, Gaga wrote: "Out of respect for Rick's family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death.

"I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion. My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends."

The 32-year-old model was known for his head-to-toe tattoos and starred alongside Gaga in the 2011 video for her track Born This Way.

The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on. Rest In Peace 🙏 You beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/0gXTJ6cHYB

With a full bodysuit of inkings - including a facial tattoo of a skeleton-style face and zombie-like brain - his unique look had won him modelling jobs with magazines including GQ and Vogue.

On the day Genest's death was confirmed, Gaga had paid tribute to him, tweeting: "The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating.

"We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can't talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other."

She later added: "Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you've been doing.

Image:Rick Genest had modelled for magazines including GQ and Vogue

"Reach out if you're in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too.

"Kindness and mental health aren't one time practices."

The tweets have since been deleted.

Family and friends have said they believe Genest may have fallen accidentally while smoking on the balcony.